Job summary
12-month Fixed Term Contract - Maternity Cover
We are seeking an enthusiastic Specialist Biomedical Scientist with excellent interpersonal skills and a high degree of self-motivation to join our dynamic team. This role is integral to the laboratory, where you will provide specialist technical expertise in the Bacteriology and Virology sections.
Specialist Biomedical Scientists (BMS) play a crucial role in the laboratory team, responsible for diagnosing infections and disease processes. They leverage the latest scientific knowledge and methods, while also utilizing traditional techniques when necessary. Specialist BMS conduct and interpret laboratory tests providing essential data to clinical staff for accurate diagnoses and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments.
Main duties of the job
* Technical Duties:
o Perform specialized tasks in the Bacteriology and Virology sections.
o Authorise specific result types.
o Oversee and supervise Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) and Assistant Practitioners (APs).
o Manage the use and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
* Quality and Project Management:
o Participate in validation and verification projects.
o Take responsibility for a specific technical function within the laboratory.
* Development and Support:
o Stay updated with scientific advancements and managerial developments in the field.
o Support senior staff and the Laboratory Manager in providing an efficient, expert, and cost-effective laboratory service.
o Take on additional laboratory responsibilities with appropriate support and training.
Working Hours:
* Routine hours are Monday to Friday, 08:45 to 17: hours per week).
* Participation in a rotational schedule for weekends and Bank Holidays.
* Involvement in the on-call (out-of-hours) service provision is required.
About us
Our STAR values - Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect - are a golden thread running through everything we do. These values serve as a guiding principle, driving us towards our vision of delivering great joined up services to our local community. Whether at home, in the community, or within the hospital, our goal is to empower individuals to lead independent and healthier lives.
Details
Date posted
06 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum pro rata
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
12 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
Job locations
Great Western Hospital
Marlborough Road
Swindon
SN3 6BB
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see attached job description for full details.
This job description is not intended to be exhaustive and it is likely that duties may be altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances, in discussion with the post holder. This role profile is intended to provide a broad outline of the main responsibilities only. The post holder will need to be flexible in developing the role with initial and on-going discussions with the designated manager.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see attached job description for full details.
This job description is not intended to be exhaustive and it is likely that duties may be altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances, in discussion with the post holder. This role profile is intended to provide a broad outline of the main responsibilities only. The post holder will need to be flexible in developing the role with initial and on-going discussions with the designated manager.
Person Specification
Education, Qualifications, Training
Essential
* BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved) or equivalent, plus, further knowledge acquired through training and practical experience
* Current registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
* IBMS Specialist diploma in Medical Microbiology
Desirable
* MSc Medical Microbiology
* Quality Management training
* Health & Safety training
* Parasitology training
* Mycology training
Experience
Essential
* In-depth experience of working in all areas of a Medical Microbiology laboratory in an NHS laboratory, post HCPC registration
* Previous experience of working alone out of hours is essential
Desirable
* Experience in automated and manual identification methods
* Quality Management experience
* Health & Safety Management experience
* Stock Management and stock control experience
Person Specification
Education, Qualifications, Training
Essential
* BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved) or equivalent, plus, further knowledge acquired through training and practical experience
* Current registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
* IBMS Specialist diploma in Medical Microbiology
Desirable
* MSc Medical Microbiology
* Quality Management training
* Health & Safety training
* Parasitology training
* Mycology training
Experience
Essential
* In-depth experience of working in all areas of a Medical Microbiology laboratory in an NHS laboratory, post HCPC registration
* Previous experience of working alone out of hours is essential
Desirable
* Experience in automated and manual identification methods
* Quality Management experience
* Health & Safety Management experience
* Stock Management and stock control experience
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Great Western Hospital
Marlborough Road
Swindon
SN3 6BB
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
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Employer details
Employer name
Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Great Western Hospital
Marlborough Road
Swindon
SN3 6BB
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
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